Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Ajay Mohamed of Glendale

We recently had the chance to connect with Ajay Mohamed and have shared our conversation below.

Ajay, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
When I moved to the U.S. in 2019, I didn’t know a single person. Everything was new—faces, work culture, the rhythm of daily life. It took time to understand this world, but instead of waiting to be included, I started building something of my own: a community.
I sought out people who think like I do—who are passionate about film, storytelling, and art. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but over five years I built a circle I now call home. These are people I trust, create with, grow with, and celebrate life with.
What I’m most proud of is that this community didn’t exist before—I built it quietly, person by person, project by project. And as I grow, I’m expanding it with intention. My dreams are big, and I know I can’t accomplish them alone. I’m proud that I’ve found the support I once hoped for, and even prouder that I helped bring it into existence.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder and lead producer of AJ Films & Entertainment. I’ve been creating under this banner for a few years, but I officially registered the company in November of last year (2024). Since then, we’ve produced three short films and six music videos.
Our work is already gaining recognition—one of our scripts was shortlisted at the Tasveer Film Festival, which is supported by Netflix, and our films are preparing to enter major festivals. What I’m most proud of is the diversity of the stories we tell. Each project carries a message, one focuses on women’s empowerment, another centers LGBTQ narratives, and another explores the realities of toxic relationships.
My mission has always been to inspire and create meaningful change through storytelling. That commitment to impact, representation, and authenticity is at the heart of my work—and that’s what defines my brand.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Like many kids who grew up being bullied, I used to feel “less than” around other people. I created limits in my own mind about what I was capable of. For a long time, I believed I wasn’t enough.
Over the past few years, I started pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and that changed everything. The more I tried new things, the more confident I became. I had to face my insecurities instead of hiding from them, and accepting them made me feel more secure in who I am.
One thing I want others to know is this: there will always be people who try to make you believe you’re not enough—but you are. You can create anything you truly desire. The only limits that matter are the ones you remove from your own mind.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. In 2021, after coming out of a very difficult relationship, I genuinely thought this country wasn’t for me. I packed my bags, booked my ticket, and was ready to leave the U.S. for good. But something inside me said, “You’re not done here yet.”
I decided to stay. I reached out to my family and friends for support and shifted my focus inward. For three months, I practiced solitude and started rebuilding myself and my life. That period changed everything.
A couple of years later, I’m grateful I didn’t walk away. Today, I have a production company in Los Angeles and I bought a restaurant in India last year. None of this would have happened if I had run from that moment. Staying was hard—but it became the turning point of my life.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends would say that people, relationships, and community matter most to me. I’ve always believed that nothing I’ve built would have been possible without the people around me. Their support has shaped every step of my journey.
And it’s not just about me succeeding — their success is just as important. I truly believe that when we win, the people around us should win too. Community isn’t just something I value; it’s the foundation of how I live and work.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve learned that most people are moving through life carrying their insecurities or unresolved childhood wounds. When you understand that, you stop reacting to their behavior at the surface level. Instead of taking things personally, you start seeing the human behind the reaction.
We all have our reasons for how we show up—our triggers, fears, and defenses—and so do others. When we remember that, we naturally become kinder, more patient, and more respectful. It doesn’t excuse everything, but it helps us respond with empathy instead of judgment. Understanding where someone is coming from can change the entire way we relate to the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ajaymohamed.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajay_mohamed/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajay-mohamed-068710188/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajay.mohamed

Image Credits
Delmer Menjivar
Rytham Singla